Monday, April 02, 2007

(NOTE: Inspired by the Oscars, I've decided that, once a week, I'm going to try to share a movie that has made a significant impact on me. If nothing else, this will expose you to some of my idiosyncrasies.)

I was in Enid, Oklahoma, with a group from school. We had a free afternoon, and went to see They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

I'll never forget the line. Or the despair.

Viewing "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is like rubbernecking a horrific traffic accident, or watching a train wreck. The images, no matter how painful, are too disturbing to turn away. This movie documents the depression era pathos by showing us a glimpse of a group of dance-marathon contestants battling it out for a winner-take-all purse. Their lives become symbolic of their efforts in the marathon: inexorable pain, constant cramping, and a constant questioning of just "why live in all this misery?" ... The film is stunning in capturing the simple struggle of humanity; it's a must-see, but only once!!!